Mark Cheney of RE/MAX Living speaks to WILLIAMS MEDIA about how he got into real estate, and his advice for people starting out in the industry.
Mark has on numerous occassions held the much coveted title of Queensland Tennis Champion, and used to own a tennis centre for many years before entering into real estate.
Mr Cheney discusses his start in the industry, advice for newcomers and what he would change about the industry.
How did you start out in real estate? Have you always worked in the industry, or did you do something else previously?
I used to own a tennis centre for 27 years, and I decided to get into real estate because I was good with people. I am skilled at nurturing them and communication so it was a natural progression into real estate. I wanted to make a difference and help people.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I enjoy helping people get a brilliant price and educating them how to market and present their property correctly. I also love the art of negotiation.
Can you tell us about an interesting property you’ve sold?
91-105 Bruce Court, Rocksberg was an outstanding result, I sold that with multiple offers for $1,550,000 million earlier this year. It was a 40 acre property with two houses on the block. The second house was a jockey stable for Bruce McLachlan, former horse trainer who has now passed away. It still had the bunk beds for the track work riders.
91-105 Bruce Court, Rocksberg sold by Mark Cheney as featured on The Home Page.
What’s your advice to people starting out in real estate?
My advice would be to simply work hard! It is not a 40 hour week job, it is a lifestyle. You have to be prepared to work seven days. In the first 1-2 years you have to work extremely hard, and be dedicated to put the effort in. You have to be prepared to have some very difficult conversations with people about topics like price and property presentation. If you can’t handle rejection and the hard conversations it is not the game for you. However, in saying that, it is a very rewarding job if you are prepared to do the hard yards.
If you could change one thing about the real estate industry, what would it be?
I believe there should be a harder entry level for new real estate agents. New agents should start off working under an established agent and should have more training to learn the required skills before they can go out in the field.
What’s your outlook for the property market for the next 12-18 months?
I believe the market will stay reasonably strong. I see no downward pressure, except for investment where the bank has tightened on their lending restrictions.
Where do you live now, and what would be your dream home if you could live anywhere in the world?
I live in an amazing property in Excelsior Park, Morayfield in our dream home. I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else.
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